2020 Diverge: A More Capable Getaway Bike

Here’s the intro from the 2020 Diverge press kit Spesh just sent out

The freedom, the adventure, the community—it all begins where the pavement ends. This is gravel and we’ve been doing it before it even had a name. Whether you’re dropping the hammer on the gravel scene, bikepacking into the unknown, or shredding flowy singletrack, we have the bikes and the gear to get you there.

Companies like Spesh are uniquely positioned to deliver bikes during the COVID-19 bike boom. No one could’ve predicted their product pipeline would deliver a “getaway” bike right when cyclists need it most. I rode the 2019 version in the Methow on dirt like this.

2020 Diverge: A Getaway Bike

The 2020 version is a bit more capable, but less of a road bike. The new Diverge has the most progressive geometry they’ve ever created for a dropbar bike, giving riders a capable and stable bike in the dirt, that still feels responsive and nimble on the road. Ever since the first gen, what Diverge owners have liked the most is how the bike moves down the road, any road, like a Tarmac.

Future Shock 2.0 is adjustable and hydraulically damped.

By increasing the frame’s reach, introducing a slacker head tube and a longer offset fork, it places you in the frame, and with a planted feeling on the dirt. Most important to me, is the BB drop is high enough to run 650b wheelsets. Also, the promise of 1x is now fully realized with a group like eTap AXS Eagle combo I’m running on my brown bike and Mark V on his Exploro.

2020 Diverge Versions

Specialized offers a Diverge for every budget, for a 10K S-Works down to a reasonable $2-3K in alloy instead of carbon. With Stay Home orders in place, it’ll be a while before I pedal this new Diverge. When I do, you’ll hear about it.

2020 Diverge, the chainstay is a narrow, solid beam of carbon between the tire and chainrings, instead of dropped.…